“Welcome to Sri Lanka!” was one of the first greetings I heard in Colombo, the country’s bustling big city. A local graced me with those lovely words from across the street. Not a storekeeper, nor a hawker, just a person who wanted to pass on a warm hello.
Sri Lanka is a country generally appreciative of tourism. After all, the petite country has endured its fair share of hardship, and the attacks in April 2019 just added to the list. The toll on tourism has been tremendous on this island state. According to travel consultancy ForwardKeys, average net bookings to and within Sri Lanka fell 186% the week following the attack.
While we don’t discount the fear many travellers feel, we should not allow events like this to deter us from continuing to explore, learn, and break down stereotypes. In recent weeks, countries have softened their travel warnings to Sri Lanka, including the UK.
The country may have faced challenges, but it continues to be an incredible place to visit. Sri Lanka still tops our Best in Travel for 2019. Read on to discover why.
The Food
You can truly understand the culture and history of a place through its food. Some of the best, most creative cuisine often emerges from periods of poverty, like the celebrated national dish, rice and curry. Other dishes show international influence, such as Sri Lanka’s spicy devilled dishes or dosas, which originated in neighboring India.
Varied, spicy, passionate, and vibrant, Sri Lankan cuisine is severely underrated and ready to be explored. Be prepared to savor jackfruit curries, pepper chicken stews, and the crowd-favourite kotthu—a dish made from roti bread, vegetables, and sometimes protein, expertly cooked and chopped on a hot plate.
If you’re eager to take some recipes home with you, consider enrolling in a cooking class at Matey Hut. This tiny restaurant, reminiscent of a cozy hideaway, serves up some of the best rice and curry and will teach you how to recreate it.
The Epic Train Rides
The trains reach parts of the country that cars, motorcycles, or buses simply cannot, winding through mesmerizing tea fields and along the beautiful coastline from Colombo to the southern beaches.
The breathtaking journey east from Colombo to the Hill Country goes through Kandy, Nanu Oya, and Ella to Badulla. The scenic ride from Haputale to Ella is considered one of the world’s most beautiful train journeys.
If you’re fortunate enough to board during sunset, you’re in for a truly memorable ride.
The Beauty of the Hills
Tea cultivation has shaped much of Sri Lanka’s landscape since the 19th century. Introduced by the British in 1867, Sri Lanka is now one of the globe’s largest tea producers. A journey into the high country presents a stunning blend of tea fields and wild Sri Lankan forests, offering a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life.
Nestled in the hills, various settlements offer respite from the summertime humidity. Though close in proximity, these towns each possess their own unique identity.
Ella is a charming township brimming with boutiques and restaurants, surrounded by lush tea plantations. It’s great for walking, and most accommodations can provide maps of local trails. Don’t miss the Uva Halpewaththa tea factory for one of the best tea plantation tours in the country.
Meanwhile, Nuwara Eliya is often referred to as ‘Little England’ due to its charming cottages, racecourse, and man-made Lake Gregory. For a quintessential British experience, consider indulging in High Tea at the Grand, served either on the lawn or in the airy tea lounge.
The Incomparable Beaches
The beaches in Sri Lanka exude a wild charm, where boulders line secluded shores and palm trees grow freely. Some of the beaches, such as Weligama, Unawatuna, and Hikkaduwa, are perfect for surfing, while others, like Mirissa, are better suited for snorkeling. Regardless, they all present an ideal setting for relaxation with a coconut in hand.
Many of the western and southern beaches feature restaurants where waiters proudly showcase the day’s freshest seafood catches at the entrances. Lobsters, crabs, and various fish tempt patrons to indulge. Enjoy the enticing sound of crashing waves while dining at lantern-lit tables.
